Marijuana refining lab explodes, suspect apparently injured

OROVILLE — An explosion this morning at a marijuana refining lab east of Oroville apparently injured someone, but a suspect has not been found.

About 3:15 a.m. Butte County sheriff's deputy Darin Brown arrived at the home on Cold Creek Lane in the Hurleton area where the explosion had been reported, and found a butane honey oil lab, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Office.

The Special Enforcement Unit took over the investigation, and obtained and served a search warrant.

The lab that had exploded was inside a converted tent trailer. Marijuana, refined honey oil and components used in its manufacture were found.

Butane honey oil is an extremely potent form of concentrated cannabis.

Detectives also located what appeared to be a small piece of human flesh, but the suspect had not sought medical care at local hospitals.

The Sheriff's Office said this is the fourth butane honey oil lab explosion in recent weeks.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Special Enforcement Unit at 538-7389.